Scarburg Meadhall Discussion Thread

[Nogrod]

For clarification - are the Scarburg folk riding out to the homesteads of the local lords, or are the local lords coming to Scarburg again?Scarburg folk are riding today.

I'll try to make a post today... not to send us riding as yet, but to continue preparations...

[littlemanpoet]

Friends, you may notice (or maybe not) that my posts on this rpg tend to a certain type of language pattern, or "sense". I do this because I want my characters to sound like Eorling folks. When I write for this rpg, I "hear" the language of the post in my head, trying to make it sound authentic.

Here's my offer. If you would like me to offer word choices or phrase choices to help you make your posts more Eorling in style and sense, please say so. I will limit what I do to making suggestions, and it's entirely up to you whether you use them. You will not hurt my feelings if you choose not to take me up on this, and you will not hurt my feelings if you ask for my aid and choose not to use my suggestions. In fact, I think I'll probably have fun just offering the suggestions if you use them or not.

I will not offer my opinions about your posts unless you ask me to, because the last thing I want to do is offend a fellow rpg'r.

Just let me know that you'd like to have some suggestions from me, and either tell me which post you want help with, or if you prefer, I'm fine with PMing also. And if nobody responds to this post, that doesn't hurt my feelings either. :D

[Folwren]

Elempi, I'll take you up on that offer. I know you've pointed out some stuff to me before.

Durelin and Legate, great posts. I'm tempted to exacerbate the problem and send Thornden in there, all oblivious like, but I don't think I can do that right now.

-- Foley

[Firefoot]

Hmm... I'm not sure it would be appropriate for Leof to ride out with the soldiers to see the lords? If they're going out in full array, he'd stick out like a sore thumb, I'd think. Then again, I don't consider myself well-versed in feudal politics and policies, so he could go with if that would be an appropriate thing for him to do.

Alternately, I'd be happy to get some kind of storyline going with any other characters who might be hanging around behind? Who all would that be?

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, Foley, just let me know the Post number you want me to look at - or PM me.

By the way, it just so happens that Rohan is NOT FEUDAL in its governmental structure. It's Pre-Feudal. Feudalism means that anybody who is not a lord is a serf; serf = not free. Pre-feudalism means that everybody who is not a lord is probably a farmer working his own land. Back in the old days they were called "wights" until the Normans took over England in 1066. It didn't mean "undead" back in the day; it meant "human". But we can just call them either "freemen" or "farmers".

Feudal term - - Pre-Feudal (Rohan) term:

Knight - - - - Eorling (wealthy landholder, breeds & owns his horses)
Lord - - - - Eorl (there are 3, over East, West, & Middle Emnets)
Vassal - - - no such thing
Fief - - - no such thing

So the class structure in "The Mark" (their own name for their lands - Rohan is what the Gondorians call it) is:

King - ruler
Eorl - general in war, judge in his Emnet
Eorling - owns his horse, local judge for freemen nearby
Freeman/Farmer - owns & works his own land, not wealthy enough to own a horse


Suggestion:
The way things have become structured in the Middle Emnet, the three "lords" besides Athanar are particularly wealthy land holders who wield more power locally than the usual Eorling; this is, perhaps, due to the fact that laws have been, shall we say, cavalierly observed of late; and the new Eorl is there to re-establish a more just observance of the law, and maybe even return lands to freemen who have lost theirs to unjust Eorlings.

Just a note on the above: Nogrod and I have been discussing how this is supposed to work, and it has been a very interesting process. The above paragraph is strictly a suggestion by way of explaining how things have gotten to the almost Feudal condition in the Middle Emnet compared to how they are supposed to be in Pre-Feudal Rohan - and this suggestion is mine and only mine, and it's entirely up to Nogrod and others whether to accept it. It was really a bit of a brainstorm. Far be it from me to tramp on toes! :eek:

[Nogrod]

I'm warmly welcoming all help you lmp can give us on older language for as someone who in the end writes in a foreign language I just feel oftentimes amiss with how to say certain things, especially making them ring right in the context of people living and talking in some far past.


Suggestion:
The way things have become structured in the Middle Emnet, the three "lords" besides Athanar are particularly wealthy land holders who wield more power locally than the usual Eorling; this is, perhaps, due to the fact that laws have been, shall we say, cavalierly observed of late; and the new Eorl is there to re-establish a more just observance of the law, and maybe even return lands to freemen who have lost theirs to unjust Eorlings.

Just a note on the above: Nogrod and I have been discussing how this is supposed to work, and it has been a very interesting process. The above paragraph is strictly a suggestion by way of explaining how things have gotten to the almost Feudal condition in the Middle Emnet compared to how they are supposed to be in Pre-Feudal Rohan - and this suggestion is mine and only mine, and it's entirely up to Nogrod and others whether to accept it. It was really a bit of a brainstorm. Far be it from me to tramp on toes! :eek:It has been an interesting process indeed - and we probably should have done better to go through that back when lmp left as I must say I have been thinking more or less along some feaudalistic lines of thought all the time (but can see the point of making Rohan and Gondor quite different on that issue - and that way more according to Tolkien-universe). But it is interesting to try and bring together both those things that have been written and how it should be... And actually I find lmp's latest suggestion quite good (the bolded one).

We'll have to work that out before lord Athanar and the Scarburg people meet the first lord. So maybe a few days (RL) still left. But as things are here in the open now, I'd appreciate any comments you others might have on the subject.

[Nogrod]

Oh, and sorry for not posting...

I spent the last night watching the US. election results & analysis program up to 4am from BBC and understandably have been both very tired and overtly busy today (needed to do also the stuff I would have otherwise done yesterday evening).

[Folwren]

I did post for Thornden, but I didn't interrupt. One of them might have seen him pass, though. I almost continued but I don't have time to just now. I may tomorrow and go ahead and have Thornden meet someone carrying the letter, Elempi and Lhuna.

-- Foley

[Firefoot]

You know, I hesitated over the use of the word "feudal." Rightfully so, it seems...

[Mnemosyne]

So, any ideas about what's going to be going on back at the Meadhall while everyone else is running around?

[littlemanpoet]

So, any ideas about what's going to be going on back at the Meadhall while everyone else is running around?

There is a little matter brewing of letters arriving; other than that, whatever you want.

[Folwren]

Mnemosyne, I'm glad to do something with Saeryn during the men's absence...

[Folwren]

I forget why I looked this up exactly...but anyway, I remembered we had a map of the Hall and the stables and all and I found it. Pio has it linked at the beginning of this thread, but if you all want to see it, it's in this post (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=616257&postcount=1938).

And I'm working on a post for Saeryn so that Wynflaed can be pulled into the story.

[Firefoot]

At about what age do you suppose Rohirrim come of age? Would it be the same for males and females?

[littlemanpoet]

Based on Old English or Scandinavian culture, females came of age upon puberty (childbearing and raising). Unlike modern times with healthy diets, etc., that occurred usually no sooner than age 13 or 14.

Males came of age when they had passed some kind of manhood test; if they were farmers/landholders, it might have had to do with taking responsibility and succeeding at planting and harvesting, which might be as early as 13 or 14; or if they were apprenticed to a smith or other artesan, upon achieving journeyman status, which would be later - perhaps 16 to 18 years old; if Eorling (warrior), then it might be perhaps around age 15 or 16, the test being able to demonstrate competence at fighting on horseback.

[Folwren]

Firefoot, I hope you don't feel I cut the conversation short. I figured I didn't see any reason Thornden would say more. I think Leof could come. Why shouldn't he? All the horses are leaving mostly, so he may as well come along. I'm afraid when Thornden said may sound something like, "Come act like everyone's paige and do our beck and call," but that's kind of the position I see Leof doing if he comes. Anyway, it's your call. I don't know what's going to be happening at the Hall during the day, so it may be just as well if you character comes along. If he does stay behind, I'm sure we can figure out something fun to get Leof involved in.

Elempi, it's all yours. Let me know if I need to change Harreld at all. (I thought the grin and the last clap on the shoulder of Thornden's may play right into your hand, by the way.)

[Mnemosyne]

Gah, I wanted to get something up tonight (cheers, Foley!) but I'm too wiped out now. If I haven't posted something by midnight tomorrow please attack me with rubber chickens.

[littlemanpoet]

At about what age do you suppose Rohirrim come of age? Would it be the same for males and females?

Firefoot, if you're thinking about Léof, I'd say he's already had his (literal) trial by fire (remember the burned stables back in Edoras?) and is considered an adult by those who know him.

Foley: “Did the messengers last night get permission to stop by Garreth’s smithy?” Please change this to "Will the Eorl let the messengers go to Garreth?" - - - it gets rid of the Latinate ("Gondorian") "permission". ;)

[Folwren]

It has been done, as you wished. :)

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks. I probably won't get a chance to write that post until tomorrow. Just letting you know.

[Folwren]

Mnemosyne, Wynflaed's last comment cracked me up, as I had just been thinking about that whole arrangement. :D

I do not know when I'll be able to post. Maybe tomorrow, but more likely on Wednesday.

-- Foley

[Firefoot]

Thanks, Elempi. That's sort of what I was thinking but I wanted to check.

[Folwren]

Looks like things are moving on at an admirable clip. Next post from any of the outward bound posters can get the company moving, right? I will try to post tomorrow. Possibly for Quin...that sounds like fun...And Saeryn.

Elempi, which woman would Harreld hand the letter to? Kara, or Saeryn, or Modtryth, maybe?

-- Foley

[Lhunardawen]

Elempi, which woman would Harreld hand the letter to? Kara, or Saeryn, or Modtryth, maybe?

-- Foley

If Kath is okay with me writing for Kara, I could go ahead and write the post using Kara.

[littlemanpoet]

Looks like things are moving on at an admirable clip. Next post from any of the outward bound posters can get the company moving, right? I will try to post tomorrow. Possibly for Quin...that sounds like fun...And Saeryn.

Elempi, which woman would Harreld hand the letter to? Kara, or Saeryn, or Modtryth, maybe?

-- FoleyActually, I think he's going to try to surreptitiously lay it somewhere that it would be found by any of the ladies. Actually, why don't we assume that he did that, and feel free to write that the letter is found on some table top, desk top, or something by one of the ladies.

[Lhunardawen]

Actually, I think he's going to try to surreptitiously lay it somewhere that it would be found by any of the ladies. Actually, why don't we assume that he did that, and feel free to write that the letter is found on some table top, desk top, or something by one of the ladies.

Yeah, I figured that if he handed it to Kara (or any other woman), she would tell Ginna it came from him anyway. I don't have time to write tonight, so I'll put up my post tomorrow night.

[Nogrod]

I've written us off the yard of the Mead Hall. That doesn't mean you couldn't continue things that have been left unfinished in there - or what the soldiers will talk on the road (or what happens at the Mead Hall meanwhile).

I need to exchange a PM or two with lmp to finally decide whether they will start from Tancred or the gammer who has given his reign away from him... there are good ideas on both directions I think. Also we need to hammer down the situation "behind the scenes" so that we have a shared understanding of the situation. With me that will mean like the weekend the earliest.

So there is ample time to put things forwards even if the men have now hit the road.

[Firefoot]

Hmm... it might make more sense if Folwren's post came after Nogrod's? Maybe not a big deal but right now it's a little backwards chronologically.

I'll have a post up either later tonight or early tomorrow.

[Folwren]

Well, kind of, but I think I would have to really revamp my post to move it. So, just presume that Quin spoke before Athanar started his speech and Hylath asked Leof his question and all, and then Athanar talks, and then Leof can answer. How's that sound?

I'm back to class now, folks. See ya later.

-- Foley

[Firefoot]

Post up. Folwren, I left the conversation pretty open from there. Quin or Hylath can either respond, or Leof could ask about how Hylath had come to be there. I can't remember - has Hylath shown up before or did you just make him up now?

[Folwren]

I just made him come up now. We needed another random soldier character floating about. He's one of Athanar's men.

I may post later today.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

I'm a little uncomfortable with my post. It reminds me of moments in real life when you've said things you wished you hadn't, and it's too late to change it now. However, this is an rpg and it could be changed. But maybe it shouldn't be. In any case, there are going to be consequences in the story line no matter what is said and done, and that can be scary and fascinating.

Lhuna, what do you think?

[Folwren]

Haha, that's funny, Elempi, 'cause when I read it, I said to myself, "Oooh, ouch - he's going to regret that!" I considered mentioning it to you, but then I was like, "No, Elempi knows what he's doing. He's just trying to make this interesting." :rolleyes:

[Mnemosyne]

To me it read like a bit of inspired luck that surprised even the author. I'd say keep it; in my experience (which, granted, is when I have control over all characters concerned) the characters usually know what they're doing more than we do. Though Harreld's going to be regretting this!!

I'm looking forward to seeing the fallout, and how this eventually gets resolved.

Getting some other writing done tonight, but if I'm on a roll I might get a post up for Wynflaed. At the very latest I'll get something done by Sunday.

[Lhunardawen]

I must say I expected that reaction from Harreld, but his words had me saying ouch out loud. Really. If you would change anything maybe it could be just his reply, because from my perspective this is going the way I think it should. But of course, as much as I think I know Harreld after all this time, you still know him better.

I already had a response in mind and was going to run it by you (because the post would have needed an input from Harreld), but I decided to write it differently because my original idea might make things a bit easier to resolve. Wouldn't we want to make this situation as complicated for them as in-characterly possible? ;)

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for your reflections, Foley, Mnemo, & Lhuna. I'm going to leave it the way it is. Harreld is really hurting at this point and is already in mourning, and believes that he has already lost Ginna. So his words come out of this wrenching pain of loss that is bigger than he knows how to put into words. So the only thing he knows how to do is push her away, because if he allows her to see his true feelings of deep, deep love for her, he's going to be swayed by her view of things and knows it, and that must not happen because her father's will must come first . . . and in the next post he will hate himself for this, but be determined to hold true to his purpose no matter how much it hurts. :eek:

[Lhunardawen]

Elempi: *sniff* :(

This looks like it's turning out better than I imagined.

And even though I wanted to delay writing until Tuesday, I'm excited enough to write tonight. Studying can wait. :D

[Lhunardawen]

Because I feel like I have to explain my post...

I know I could have written more, but that's all Ginna left me with for now. Apparently she doesn't think studying can wait. :rolleyes:

[littlemanpoet]

"You know I'm always here for you, Harreld," she said loudly enough, not letting his hammering drown out her voice. And she left.

Ooh you stinker! ;)

That's exactly the last thing Harreld is capable of dealing with! ... so of course that's what she'd say. :rolleyes:

I'm going to let this one simmer for a bit...

[Folwren]

What has happened to everybody? :(

[Mnemosyne]

Here. Sorry the post took a while. It has a few too many Latinisms in my mind for an Eorling, but at least it moved the tour along.

I was going to have Wynflaed ask how Saeryn met Eodwine, but that might be considered insensitive, and she has a lot more tact than I do.

Oh! And I love how Harreld's digging himself into a hole!

[littlemanpoet]

Oh! And I love how Harreld's digging himself into a hole!Do you now? ;) I'm here. I've been waiting for someone to move things along. As far as I'm concerned, we could move this Day along as quickly as we like, or not, depending on what we rpg'ers consider worth writing about. If it's just "keeping time" type posts, bother them! Keep it interesting.

As for a little Latinate - maybe Wynflaed had been sent to Minas Tirith or some other Gondorian court during her youth, and her personal thoughts sometimes took a more learned turn? Or not? Eh. :p

[Folwren]

I agree that those of us at home can move time along as we need, definitely.

-- Foley

[Mnemosyne]

As for a little Latinate - maybe Wynflaed had been sent to Minas Tirith or some other Gondorian court during her youth, and her personal thoughts sometimes took a more learned turn? Or not? Eh. :p

Honestly, the problem is that I tend to maintain class/education distinctions through the use of Latinate words, and it's hard to make the shift when writing about the Eorlingas. I'm pretty proud of some of the adjustments I've made earlier, but I realized I'd put this one off long enough to get too hung up on the matter and just posted. I may go back and revise, though, as soon as my brain is in better working order.

[Firefoot]

That post took much too long to write... it sat half-finished on my desktop for about two days. :rolleyes: Some combination of getting busy and writer's block...

[Durelin]

I guess I'll actually check-in as well! I have really wanted to post for Coen as the soldiers have set out and might do so tomorrow.

My senior paper is due on monday, so...things have been a little crazy this week. It's going okay though and I'll not disappear on you completely. Though since I have been putting off my other papers till after this is 'finished'...bleh.

Anyway...less whining and more posting in my very near future.

[Lhunardawen]

I'm having trouble with time and internet connection lately, but I'll try to get a post up this weekend. Is Lommy around? I think I'll need her.

[Folwren]

Sweetness. Everyone is rallying up. That's great.

Lommy is probably around somewhere on the Downs, but I don't know if she checks this regularly or not. I'd PM her if I were you to let her know you needed her.

I do not know when I will be able to post next. I'll try really hard to do it in the near future, but I have lots of things due today and Monday plus a wedding this weekend, which means rehearsal, dinner, wedding, and reception. :eek: It'll be crazy.

-- Foley

[Lhunardawen]

I know I said I will be posting this weekend, and it's already weekend for me, but it's been a really tough week. Two of my professors back in undergrad passed away (within 36 hours of each other), one of them was caught in a crossfire (EDIT: "crossfire" was the press release, but many - including me - believe that it was a case of mistaken identity) while doing field work and the other had hepatocellular carcinoma.

I never imagined how much this will affect us who have already graduated and haven't seen them for a long time, but somehow it still hurts a lot. It's been hard for me to focus on studying, which is not good considering I have an exam on Monday. I hope it doesn't sound like I'm making excuses. I'll try to post as soon as I am able, hopefully within the week.

[Folwren]

It's okay, Lhuna. We understand. I'm sorry to hear about the deaths of your professors. Don't worry about this RPG until you're ready to think about it again. :) Good luck on your exam.

-- Foley

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Lommy is probably around somewhere on the Downs, but I don't know if she checks this regularly or not. I'd PM her if I were you to let her know you needed her.

Lommy's been having a week holiday just now, but I can tell her to check the 'Downs if she's needed. Likewise with me, I have to check what's been written around here in the last few days and then see if I should/can post. Unfortunately, it might not be today or tomorrow still, though, as I have lots of things to do right these days... but I hope to get back to you all as soon as time permits!

[Nogrod]

The real life has really thrown me here and there 24/7 for the last week (or two) but it should be over in two days or so.

Feel free to ride towards Tancred's estate in the meantime... if you wish. I'll try to come up with a post later this week with what lord Athanar is thinking about the visit - and what we might possibly expect from Tancred. It will be up to lmp to then deliver what Tancred will say and do, and if I read the signs right, he might have a surprise or two to us... Looking forwards to it!

But anyway, keep up the discussions in Scarburg and on the road between the soldiers.

[Folwren]

I will tonight, probably, Nogrod. It's just I've been so insanely busy lately it's not even funny...

-- Foley

EDIT: I got a post up for the soldiers.

Mnemosyne, I aim to post for Saeryn tonight or tomorrow. I'm about to head back to class and Saeryn's post is going to be more difficult for me to write. So sorry it's taking me so long.

[Folwren]

Mnemosyne,

I posted something...it's not much and it may not be enough for you to go on. If it's not, let me know and we should decide what we want this tour to cover and what needs to be said.

-- Foley

[Mnemosyne]

Thanks, Foley. I've been pretty much completely out of it/out of the loop for the past week, but things should start turning 'round in the next couple of days. (For proof of this, look at the time of this post and consider that I'm on EST.) Unfortunately, even though Wynflaed's really good at taking control of a situation and moving it forward, I'm not, and I'm not nearly familiar enough with the Meadhall or roleplaying in general to have a clear idea of where to go from here. So if we could work on something together I'd appreciate it.

[Thinlómien]

Okay I'm here and sort of catching up with stuff. Planning to write something still today. :) I have to admit I haven't read the admin thread thoroughly, so bear with me if I ask stupid questions or do stupid stuff... And my apologies for not having been around. Somehow I seem to be able to divide my time and concentration in any sensible manner...

[Thinlómien]

Just wondering...

since nothing has been said, should I assume that Wulfric and Wilheard have been ignored again? No one's given a thought if they should ride with the soldiers or stay in charge at Scarburg? Wulfric's going to be so happy - I can almost see him doing something stupid if not now then soon... :eek::D

Now writing something for Modtryth.

[littlemanpoet]

And Lommy shows up "with both barrels blazing". Nice stuff! Fun! :D Looking forward to seeing how Lhuna deals with Modtryth poking Ginna..... ;) hint hint hint.....

[Firefoot]

I'll try to have a post up this evening sometime - sorry it's taken so long, I didn't have time for much over Thanksgiving.

[littlemanpoet]

Yeah so I couldn't resist bringing Falco Boffin back. I need enough characters to keep me busy when the going gets slow on the thread. What can I say?

[Folwren]

You could say, "You're welcome." ;)

I'm so excited! When I read your post, I exclaimed, "He brought Falco back!!" And my little sister laughed at me.

Firefoot, should you post about Leof seeing him, or can I post something for Quin?

-- Foley

[Firefoot]

I was going to post for Leof, but if you get to it first Quin can spot him.

[Folwren]

K, sounds fine. I don't think I'll be able to post today - have a pretty busy work load here at work today. So whoever posts first does so, how's that? :)

[Folwren]

Nogrod, if you're anywhere nearby, you may want to check the thread. It looks like your line of soldiers might be disintegrating. I haven't decided what to do with my soldiers....

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Indeed so... and I have decided it's the time for me to post again, I've been neglecting it lately, so... I think Hilderinc is surprised enough by the Hobbit that in his immediate reaction he totally forgot about the order, too. It needs some commander to intervene, I'd say. But if somebody (especially from the "old Scarburgians" - or in the really dramatic case, maybe even Léof or Falco himself could hear him) wants to sort of explain to Hilderinc what is Falco doing there, I think they can do it now or later on the way, too.

[littlemanpoet]

I just love to wreak havoc by introducing new characters, plot developments, you name it. :D

Oh, and you're welcome. Glad to oblige. :)

Let's see, are there other characters I could create just to satisfy my own personal whims? Just kidding. Eodwine, Harreld, Garreth, Falco, (and don't forget Rowenna), are plenty. :p

Great posts, Firefox & Legate ... and a touching one by Lhuna.

[Lhunardawen]

Say... Whatever happened to Rowenna?

[littlemanpoet]

Say... Whatever happened to Rowenna?

Last I heard, she departed to the Folde with Degas. There she remains unless there's good reason to bring her back.

[Lhunardawen]

Last I heard, she departed to the Folde with Degas. There she remains unless there's good reason to bring her back.

No wonder the kitchen feels a little...quieter. :p

[Firefoot]

Maybe someone should send Nogrod a pm?

[littlemanpoet]

Maybe someone should send Nogrod a pm?

I can. I'm supposed to write for these lords.

[Folwren]

Elempi, did you call Firefoot Firefox on purpose, or is it another typo? :p

I'm going to PM Mnemo again and maybe start writing another post for Saeryn and Wynflaed with her.

As for Quin and Thornden and the other riders...you're right, Legate, in that a commander will probably have to intervene if the line is falling apart. I don't know who thought. Thornden may, if Durelin or Nogrod don't write first. But they still have time, because I'm not getting on to write a post probably for at least a day yet.

-- Foley

[Mnemosyne]

I'm around, just... busy. I should have time by Wednesday evening to work on something with you, though, Folwren.

[littlemanpoet]

Elempi, did you call Firefoot Firefox on purpose, or is it another typo? :pAck. I think you knew already. :rolleyes: That does it: I'm shortening her name to Fire. I've PM'd Nogrod.

[Firefoot]

Elempi, it doesn't really make sense for Falco to say he'd heard Eodwine was sick two months ago, since Eodwine's only been sick for a month... he fell sick in mid October and it's now mid-November.

[littlemanpoet]

Elempi, it doesn't really make sense for Falco to say he'd heard Eodwine was sick two months ago, since Eodwine's only been sick for a month... he fell sick in mid October and it's now mid-November.

Shoot. I thought I had the timeline covered. Now I have a problem. Actually, easily solved. He just decided to turn around once he got to the Shire - wander lust and all that.

Fixed - but now you'll have to fix yours. Sorry about that.

[Nogrod]

Hi there and sorry about multiple delays...

At first I was just stuck with how to work out the situation from the POV of lord Athanar, but then the RL really shook me - and I still have a bunch of essays to read & all the Christmas things waiting.

Question: will it take less than a day to get to the first lord's holding? Depending how much time it takes, we can move the Day forward at the site. What say?Looking at our maps it would be clearly a "short ride".

My impression is that they could do at least two on one day and ride home for the night to reach the third on the next. We need to check the maps.

Anyway, tomorrow I have no choir rehersals as they're over for this year and I'll try to use the time for reading & posting into the thread then. Now I need to go to sleep.


Foley: Athanar's soldiers are disintegrating? Oh my... why is nothing working for him? :rolleyes:

Okay, I need to check on that as well - as well as on everything.

Sorry.
(seems to be a word I'm repeating time after time too often)

[Folwren]

I have a post in progress for Thornden. will be up within an hour, I think.

EDIT: Scratch that. I posted now after all.

Elempi, I had forgotten that Thornden and Falco didn't always get along until just now...

I sincerely hope I did not cause any plans to be ruined for conversaton with the hobbit. I do realize I cut things pretty short pretty sharp, and I hope you all forgive me.

[littlemanpoet]

I sincerely hope I did not cause any plans to be ruined for conversaton with the hobbit. I do realize I cut things pretty short pretty sharp, and I hope you all forgive me.Not at all! Not at all! Good conflict brewing here. I can handle it, of course! Question is, what will Falco do? I'll have to think about that, but I'm going to wait for FireFOOT to edit her post first.

[Firefoot]

My post is edited, so things can move along now.

[Nogrod]

Here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=615602&postcount=1880) is the map I draw when we started. Looking at it, it would be possible to meet all three lords at the same day.

Judging lord Athanar's character, he would start with Tancred (who is also the nearest). It would be less than ten miles away.

Back soon, hopefuly with a post as well (the documantary "The Cove" about the slaughter of the dolhins in Japan) starts right now in TV and I want to see it first.

[Nogrod]

Heh. Reading through the latest posts I was thinking of a gazillion of ways how lord Athanar would stop the riders and how he would react to a hobbit - only to finally read that Thornden acted on it a bit differently. :rolleyes:

But as I've been away such a long time I think I'm the one to pick the spoon from here and take what is written as done. So we'll go this way.

I'll post something short in a moment.


Have you looked at the map? Tancred should be the one to the SE from Scarburg and not too far away. Would you lmp like to describe the estate or should anyone of us do it when we approach?

[Firefoot]

Haha, Folwren, if you wanted conflict I think you've got it. Leof's not too happy either.

[Folwren]

Conflict was not my sole intent. Indeed, it was, if anything, of secondary importance to me while writing that post. I was annoyed that soldiers were falling out of formation and then imagined how that would transcribe to Thornden, being a leader, and how he was under a lot of stress recently, and then what he would be thinking if Athanar should find out that Leof, who Thornden had invited along without asking him first, was the one who broke his line.

And I am glad to see that you picked up his tone and attitude perfectly while writing your post of Leof's reflection. Well done.

Nogrod - please take out what Thornden says about ,"I had to break the news to him." Thornden told Falco no news, except, "We can't stop" and that without even saying so. Also, I'm sorry if I wrote hastily or had Athanar act other than how you imagined it. :| Deeply sorry.

[littlemanpoet]

I can write the description of Tancred's holdings if someone doesn't beat me to it. I probably won't get a chance until tomorrow.

[Nogrod]

Nogrod - please take out what Thornden says about ,"I had to break the news to him." Thornden told Falco no news, except, "We can't stop" and that without even saying so. Also, I'm sorry if I wrote hastily or had Athanar act other than how you imagined it. :| Deeply sorry.No problem with Athanar. I'll correct my post.

[Thinlómien]

Nog -
Just wondering...
since nothing has been said, should I assume that Wulfric and Wilheard have been ignored again? No one's given a thought if they should ride with the soldiers or stay in charge at Scarburg? Wulfric's going to be so happy - I can almost see him doing something stupid if not now then soon... :eek::D

Lhuna -
sorry for taking time. I'll try to write something before Christmas!

[Folwren]

Hullo, folks. Who's around to post? I could post for Javan at the Mead hall and have him spot Falco trotting in, if you all would like...?

[Nogrod]

Lommy: the sons / brothers should be along... so feel free to, whatever you might feel free to! :rolleyes:

[Nogrod]

Hullo, folks. Who's around to post? I could post for Javan at the Mead hall and have him spot Falco trotting in, if you all would like...?The kids might also spot him?

[littlemanpoet]

Sounds good to me.

[Folwren]

Yes, the boys can spot him, Nogrod. I'll put them in my post, too, if that's okay with you.

EDIT: I posted. Let me know if everything is okay. I feel like I'm domineering that page in the Mead Hall thread, so I'm retiring for a bit until some others have posted. *coughhintcough*

[Nogrod]

Hint taken... :)

Well as soon as we get from this Christmas I'll be posting once again (I have holidays!!!). The last week has been just preparing and then celebrating Christmas...

But it's good we have these "two fronts" to write about so there should be something to do to each and everyone of us.

[littlemanpoet]

I would post for Falco, but mine was the last post - for Harreld - and so I would prefer to wait for another to post. Perhaps Lhuna might like to post for Ginna in response to Modtryth? (broad hint)

[littlemanpoet]

I have posted for Tancred. I hope he is as disgusting and unlikeable as I have been told he should be.

Maybe I'll post for Falco next. And if it just so happens that I have three posts in a row because nobody else is writing, who knows? Maybe it'll wind up being four in a row - or five, or six, who knows? But by all means, if someone else wants to post something, I'm eager to read and interact. ;)

[Mnemosyne]

I have posted for Tancred. I hope he is as disgusting and unlikeable as I have been told he should be.

Maybe I'll post for Falco next. And if it just so happens that I have three posts in a row because nobody else is writing, who knows? Maybe it'll wind up being four in a row - or five, or six, who knows? But by all means, if someone else wants to post something, I'm eager to read and interact. ;)

I already want to punch him in the face. :)

[Mnemosyne]

I got something up, but I'm afraid it isn't much as I know as little about Falco as Wynflaed does.

Folwren, let me know if I got Javan and/or the facts wrong.

[littlemanpoet]

Wynflaed's interest & curiosity is delightfully conveyed. :)

Question: is Falco coming to a holding with nobody running about, all off on errands to tell this or that person about his coming, or is there going to be someone to greet him?

[Mnemosyne]

Question: is Falco coming to a holding with nobody running about, all off on errands to tell this or that person about his coming, or is there going to be someone to greet him?

In my estimation, that depends on how quickly he arrives!!

As for the hall itself, everyone except the soldiers is still here, doing their thing, so I think the chances of a random encounter are far higher than the hall being empty.

[Nogrod]

I have posted for Tancred. I hope he is as disgusting and unlikeable as I have been told he should be.Very good lmp! And that post feels to have taken a monkey off from my back! I mean I had real problems deciding how to go forwards but that makes it a lot easier.

Although it may be we're actually facing Faramund here and not Tancred... :) But I've PM'd lmp on that.

I have Lommy, Greenie & Legate over for the New Year but should be posting then... *getting nice ideas already*

[Folwren]

Lookin' good! Elempi, your character made me cringe, he was so horribly evil. :D

I'll try to post for Saeryn tomorrow (or should I say later today?). Your post looks fine, Mnemosyne.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

Although it may be we're actually facing Faramund here and not Tancred... :)

Oops. I'll fix him to be Faramund.

In my estimation, that depends on how quickly he arrives!!

As for the hall itself, everyone except the soldiers is still here, doing their thing, so I think the chances of a random encounter are far higher than the hall being empty.

Okay, I figure if the children have seen him, he's there. I'll have him bump into somebody.

EDIT: Falco has bustled into the kitchen to get information from Frodides. If her writer is not available, I'd be happy to change the name so we can keep things moving....

[Folwren]

I thought Fordides was an NPC. I still aim to get a post up sometime today, so I could get at least one of my characters into the kitchen, and possibly both Saeryn and Javan plus Wynflaed...

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

I thought Fordides was an NPC. I still aim to get a post up sometime today, so I could get at least one of my characters into the kitchen, and possibly both Saeryn and Javan plus Wynflaed...

-- FoleyI thought Kath was writing for Frodides. Anyway, I could probably string some dialogue up between Falco and Frodides until Saeryn shows up..... I'll go edit my post a bit....

EDIT: Okay, I hope that's as much fun to read as it was to write.... :p

[Folwren]

Ooooh, right. I'd forgotten. I hope Kath can come play sometime soon.

[littlemanpoet]

Your turn again, Foley, unless Mnemosyne wishes to put in a word....

[Folwren]

Alrighty, I posted. I think just about anybody could post now...

Elempi and I have been talking. Before he wrote his post for the lord, we had all been talking and writing that we were riding first to Tancred's land. But as Elempi's post was more fitting with Faramund's character than Tancred's, he went ahead and changed to Faramund. That means, anyone who wrote in the game thread that we were going first to Tancred's holding needs to change it to Faramund. I know I did it at least once, so I'm going back now and checking all my posts and changing them.

I also wanted to mention to Lommy, if you haven't read it, there was a post put up by Mnemosyne that was a post written by both she and I not long ago, that you may want to read, as it has to do with Modtryth in an indirrect way. That is to say, it has to do with her, but Modtryth won't actually know about it.

I guess we can post about arriving at Faramund's hall now? Nogrod, Legate, Firefoot, Durelin, are you about and ready for this?

Hope you all have a happy New Years.

-- Folwren

[Firefoot]

I'm here and more or less able to post. Faramund seems... delightful. :rolleyes: ;) I haven't been exactly sure where to go from here, since I don't imagine Leof having a very central part in the proceedings, but I'll see what I can do.

[Folwren]

Yeah, I don't know if Leof would have anything immediate to do. He probably would be put in action as soon as they stopped and people started dismounting and stuff (he may be able to run up and grab Athanar's horse or something)...but I guess someone in the front line (Durelin, Nogrod, or myself) would be better set to describe the approach.

[Nogrod]

lmp: I have made lord Athanar's party to halt on the courtyard of Faramund. I left it with the hall's doors still closed in case you want to write for Faramund to take some time to deliberate about what to do and how to approach the visitors. If you think he would have rather just come forwards immediately I can change the ending into something like Faramund standing in front of the doors when the party halts.

Up to you.

[littlemanpoet]

lmp: I have made lord Athanar's party to halt on the courtyard of Faramund. I left it with the hall's doors still closed in case you want to write for Faramund to take some time to deliberate about what to do and how to approach the visitors. If you think he would have rather just come forwards immediately I can change the ending into something like Faramund standing in front of the doors when the party halts.

Up to you.
I think I'd like to do the deliberation. I should get time later today....

[littlemanpoet]

I've posted for Faramund, with enough description of how Faramund's forces will display themselves for anyone who wants to post next. Of course, there's still action back at Scarburg with Falco and company that could also be developed.

[Folwren]

Great posting, guys. Keep it up...because I don't know when I'll next be able to. ;)

Class time, gotta run.

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

There is clearly going to be an exchange of words at Faramund's yard... Anyone having a character at site are encouraged to write about their perceptions and feelings there - or anyone could come up with an NPC (or a new character of their own) just to enliven the situation.

But as to the exchange between Faramund and Athanar we should probably make some planning lmp? It seems our "active times" are more or less half a day apart (when you post it's normally night here and when I can post it's basically morning or afternoon there). So how about we made some PM's and tried to come up with a discussion between the two?

You probably know more of Athanar and his objectives than I know of Faramund's so maybe you could send me a suggestion first as to how Faramund would act or what would be his agenda, what kind of lines he would make? I could then answer you with how Athanar would react to different points and so on. We could have a post up in a few days by that method?

One thing for you to think as well lmp is that Faramund might quess lord Athanar might wish also to see his father (whom he knows); how would he handle that? Lord Athanar wouldn't probably press on that or disregard Faramund's lordship (the official discussion would be between him and Faramund), but in the end he would insist in meeting the father as well, if not for any other reason but because of their comraderie at war - which I think is kind of a sacred thing in Rohanian society...

[Folwren]

I had the impression that Faramund's father must be dead for him to carry on in the manner in which he does. His fa ther did not attend the other landlords when they all went Scarburg. His name was mentioned, but he was not one of the lords there.

I don't know when I'll get a chance to post for Thornden (or anyone else for that matter). Possibly tomorrow afternoon/evening.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

It's a bit of a conundrum I hadn't really considered..... why would father let son get away with this horrible stuff? Well then, why would father give up his lordship to his son at all if he's still hale? I guess that leads me to the conclusion that father must be sickly and/or not well in some way. That he would still have an opinion suggests that the sickness is of the body and not the mind. And it might also limit Faramund's ability, let alone his desire, to have Athanar see his father. What's the guy's name?

I'm okay with a PM. On the other hand, there's a certain degree to which neither Athanar nor Faramund know each other well enough to be able to determine how things would go, and so I rather like the idea of doing individual posts to see what surprises might be in store. Frankly, I don't think I know how Faramund will behave until I write the post! What do you say?

This is all suggestion, nothing written in stone.

[Nogrod]

lmp - and others - I found this from the actual thread. It's from an interlude kind of post where things are readied for Eodwine to be written out (so the "he" in the story is Eodwine).

I think that gives the general background to the three lords.

On September the 27th he wrote a letter to be sent to the three most remarkable landlords around.

He knew Tancred son of Ewald well. He had been a captain in the same force lord Eodwine had served himself in the Pelennor Fields and even before it. He was a great soldier, a shrewd tactician and a trustee of the late king Theoden. But that trust was earned during the days of Theoden’s misery. Lord Eodwine didn’t like him. He actually feared him but stood calm. He would have to meet that man and wrestle the king’s authority over him however he would react to this kind of approach. And he was about ten years older than lord Eodwine. Forcing Tancred to subdue to him would be a challenge.

He knew Alboin son of Oswine as well. He was not of a stature Tancred was, but he was an intelligent and a stern lord. Lord Eodwine didn’t actually love Alboin either as he thought he was a coward but he knew some praised his courage. Maybe it was more a matter of personal relations?

He didn’t know Faramund son of Friduhelm that well but he had known his father well enough. They had fought side by side in the Pelennor fields and he both admired and loved the old man. And he still lived. But he had given the rule over his estates to his son Faramund Eodwine knew almost nothing about; but that he was very young, twenty something… If Friduhelm would come he would have an ally in the meeting, Eodwine thought writing the letters. And if not, he could always appeal to Faramund to prove worth of his father…
Now you hit a good question as to how the old Friduhelm would let his son do what he does. A serious illness (or serious old age problems) might be a good solution. That would explain both why he gave his steership over and why he is not able to exert any authority to his son.

I'm okay with both ways to approach the dialogue. I understand completely how things just happen only when you start writing and that is fun - but it is also possible you come up with an idea you feel insecure as to whether the other one would like the idea pushed on his character. So let's see how it goes when one of us gets down into writing. I might have time tomorrow but if you have time earlier, please go on.

Nice post Legate. Anyone else wiling to share the situation there?

[Folwren]

Nice post Legate. Anyone else wiling to share the situation there?

Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world. ;) I'll get a post up shortly.

lmp - and others - I found this from the actual thread. It's from an interlude kind of post where things are readied for Eodwine to be written out (so the "he" in the story is Eodwine).

Great to have that cleared up.

If I can stick in my two cents worth, which may not be worth taking since I don't write either character, I'd say write the dialogue as individual posts. If you post frequently, you'll get more done in the amount of time it would take to write a PM post. Plus, others, such as Legate and myself, will be able to write side posts, or possibly interruptions, that will make this whole scenerio more interesting.

Okay, off to write that post...

-- Foley

[Lhunardawen]

I'm so sorry for my disappearance! I have no idea why, but I had tried to log in here all Christmas break and ALWAYS failed. :eek: And then suddenly now the Downs stops rejecting me. Please give me some time (read: indefinite length) to catch up.

[littlemanpoet]

I'm okay with both ways to approach the dialogue. I understand completely how things just happen only when you start writing and that is fun - but it is also possible you come up with an idea you feel insecure as to whether the other one would like the idea pushed on his character. So let's see how it goes when one of us gets down into writing. I might have time tomorrow but if you have time earlier, please go on.I'm all about "sin first and ask forgiveness later" when it comes to collaborative writing, precisely because I'm more than happy to change any of my posts if I get another's character wrong. I like Foley's thought on it too. It keeps writers 'in the game'.

[littlemanpoet]

Old graybeard, is it? Interesting. Wiglaf has aged years in between just a couple posts. Faramund's powers of destruction must really be something else! ;)

Old graybeard's fine with me as I didn't name an age, though I was thinking of someone not quite so .... um ..... gray. :p

[Nogrod]

I posted for Athanar and Faramund. Let me know lmp if I made Faramund too much a loser in there. Half of me says that I did, and half of me says that was just what he is... :)

[Folwren]

Haha...whoops...when I read your post, Elempi, I had the impression he was old-ish. I can alter it if you like. (Ha! I didn't apologize. How do you like that?)

Welcome back, Lhuna.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

Haha...whoops...when I read your post, Elempi, I had the impression he was old-ish. I can alter it if you like. (Ha! I didn't apologize. How do you like that?-- FoleyKudos for not apologizing. :) Don't change a thing. Wiglaf being old only makes Faramund look worse. ;)

There probably will need to be some changes, Noggie - I'll need to look some more.

[Nogrod]

Okay. I've posted on both "fronts"...

There probably will need to be some changes, Noggie - I'll need to look some more.Just let me know about them...

[littlemanpoet]

Faramund was struggling with an answer when Athanar continued.This seems a bit doltish. How about the following?

Athanar watched a smirk form on Faramund's mouth as he opened it to begin some retort. He chose to cut him off before he began. Or some such...

And this needs to change also:

Faramund seemed to be somewhat lost in the beginning, but as he spelled the words he got more comfortable.... perhaps to this....

Faramund seemed to be stalling, trying to find a way to save face.

Essentially, Faramund is not an idiot or fool or dolt. He is a rebellious, arrogant, ungrateful son of a good lord, clever but prone to interpret what others do and say in a completely self-centered fashion. Make sense?

[Nogrod]

That makes very much sense lmp. And heh, reminds me too well of the fact that I'm writing in a foreign language... I mean, I can see what you say and why you suggest the changes, but I hadn't thought of those connotations... or maybe some of them, but hadn't any other means of expressing them as I wished, just for the lack of living vocabulary.

Anyway, I've made the changes you suggest - and will try to post shortly before going to sleep.

Btw. this "honeymoon" of writing at this hour will be over shortly as my vacation ends on Monday and I can't be around at this time of the day any more as I will have early morning calls. I'll try to keep up the good pace, but the times I'll be able to write will be different from Monday on - three to five hours earlier from this post will be the latest I can be online.

But I think we have this thing live and kicking once again, so that should be no problem...

[Folwren]

Btw. this "honeymoon" of writing at this hour will be over shortly as my vacation ends on Monday and I can't be around at this time of the day any more as I will have early morning calls.

Bummer. I'm loving it, though I can't join in myself. I will soon, I promise! It's wonderful reading your guys' stuff!!!

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

He turned to lord Eodwine and apologised. :D

I think you mean lord Athanar..... :D

[Nogrod]

Heh... "I'm sorry lord, just too many things depending on one head..." :rolleyes:

Corrected...

[Nogrod]

Lord Athanar was a bit straightforward, if that expression is a correct one. I think he would act more decently and round-aboutedly with the other lords, but it seems he's just sick of this young show-off...

Let's see how it goes on.

[Folwren]

There is the situation since Athanar's coming in a brief nutshell. Elempi, let me know if you'd like me to change anything for Falco, or add anything. It would have been a fun post to do with more reactions from Falco, but I didn't want to do any without you.

-- Foley

[Firefoot]

Things are really moving around here! I finally have a post up for Leof - I didn't get as far as I wanted but I'm out of time for writing now so I guess I'll just post in two parts.

[Folwren]

Awesmoe, Firefoot! Glad you're around. I look forward to the second part of the post. :D

-- Foley

[Folwren]

I left the conversation open in the kitchen, in case you, Nogrod, wanted to have Stigend or Garstan answer or anything. If Kath were around, she could probably post something, too. Otherwise, let me know and Saeryn can talk again.

Also, Nogrod, I hope you don't mind, but I've taken up the old character, Raban - the man that Athanar gave the job of teaching Javan how to make chain mail. I don't intend to seriously play him, so you can write for him whenever you like, but I thought we could start that strand of the storyline, too.

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

So Flithaf is still at Scarburg? Not at Minas Tirith? Huh. Good to know.

[Folwren]

Yes. And I just re-read that post and realize it is extraordinarily poorly written, so I'm going to go back and fix some of those fragment sentences sometime today. Gosh, that was bad. I must've been wiped out.

[Nogrod]

I left the conversation open in the kitchen, in case you, Nogrod, wanted to have Stigend or Garstan answer or anything.
I have no plans as yet, but I'll check it. Don't wait for it though if you have something on your mind.

Also, Nogrod, I hope you don't mind, but I've taken up the old character, Raban - the man that Athanar gave the job of teaching Javan how to make chain mail. I don't intend to seriously play him, so you can write for him whenever you like, but I thought we could start that strand of the storyline, too.On the contrary! It's great people pick up those almost forgotten lines of action and characters! We could keep Raban as a common NPC for now, and if you - or even someone else - starts to write a lot for him and starts to feel for him, then we can assign him for that someone?

[Folwren]

On the contrary! It's great people pick up those almost forgotten lines of action and characters! We could keep Raban as a common NPC for now, and if you - or even someone else - starts to write a lot for him and starts to feel for him, then we can assign him for that someone?

Sounds good.

Piosenniel? I guess if you're around here you can add Raban to the character's list. He's an old man belonging to Athanar's household, who doesn't have an eye and an ear and I believe has the lower half of one leg missing, too. He's an NPC.

[littlemanpoet]

We could keep Raban as a common NPC for now, and if you - or even someone else - starts to write a lot for him and starts to feel for him, then we can assign him for that someone?Grrrr.... you just know I'll probably end up with him, don't you? :mad: ;)

[Folwren]

Grrrr.... you just know I'll probably end up with him, don't you? :mad: ;)

That's if you can get him from me. :p Just kidding. It'd be more fun if Javan's tutor were played by someone other than myself. But it'll be good he's an NPC, so that if ever he has dialogue with any character, someone else can step in for him....

-- Folwren

P.S. I still do plan to re-vamp that post of last night....nothing of the essence shall be changed, just grammatical errors, so you can go ahead and reply for Harreld whenever you like. Elempi.

[Folwren]

Hey, Elempi, did you know that Faramund is the next character to post in the conversation with Athanar and Faramund (with Thornden, too)?

[littlemanpoet]

thanks for the heads up - I'd lost track.

Wow, never saw that post. Okay, I have two abuilding. Later today, I hope.

[littlemanpoet]

Foley, it was hard to describe Harreld's mien properly, and I didn't altogether succeed. He is not meant to be in a rage that an innocent fears falling victim to; rather, he is tight of face, a fierce smoldering in the eyes which could be mistaken for anger, I suppose, but is directed inward; I suppose someone who doesn't know him might be cautious around him, though. Okay, I don't need you to change a thing.

[Folwren]

I'll look it over, anyway.

[Folwren]

K....about the situation with the lords...I'm going to sit a while and wait for Nogrod to post, because even though I would like to have Thornden interrupt at this point, he could hardly do so decently. Plus, I don't think it would do any good, as Athanar wouldn't just sit by and allow it.

Elempi, if you want, when you write again for Harreld, you could have Raban go off and get Javan and save time. Also, tell me if you think it's alright that Raban has been able to detect that inward strife of Harreld's.

[littlemanpoet]

No problem with Raban's perceptions.

I have other commitments tonight. Harreld will firmly refuse not helping clean up.

[Nogrod]

I'm continuing the situation at Faramund's quarters tomorrow...

[Folwren]

No rush. I was at class this evening and will be at work tomorrow, so I wouldn't be able to post for a while anyway.

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

I'm on a winter vacation this week. Posting may be spotty due to computer access issues. I'll try to get something done right now while I have the chance.

Foley, please do me a favor in regard to Harreld and Raban and include in your post something to the effect that Harreld agreed to Raban's proposal except that he insisted on doing his fair share of the labor.

[Folwren]

Okay, Elempi, I'll do that.

Fines would not be the traditional form of punishment for crimes like stealing, would it? It seems unlikely in a place like Rohan, doesn't it?

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

A good one lmp! (for Faramund, that is) :)

I'll post tomorrow (now it's like morning so I need to go to sleep).

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, Elempi, I'll do that.

Fines would not be the traditional form of punishment for crimes like stealing, would it? It seems unlikely in a place like Rohan, doesn't it?

-- FoleyGood question. Fees would have been the most typical form of punishment. They didn't do imprisonment because it didn't make sense. Then you'd have to feed and guard the culprit. Make him pay double to seven times over the value of his theft, and you're ahead.

Fact is, Faramund is lying. He's charging well over seven times the value of thefts, and most of it's not thefts; rather, failure to pay fees they can't afford because the fees are up to ridiculous amounts. It's a no win situation for the freeholders/farmers, and they need justice. Faramund and the other lords are predators.

[Nogrod]

Legate: Hilderinc has a mission now. Feel free to connect that with Coen, Quin & others or not.

Sorry lmp it took a few days to kick this a bit further. The girls will be here for the weekend so I probably will not read or post anything on Friday or Saturday, but on Sunday evening I might be able to join the fray again - if you rolled the ball back meanwhile.

[Folwren]

Haha. Good move on Athanar's part. Great post, Nogrod. Looking forward to seeing what comes of this.

[littlemanpoet]

Count on Faramund wriggling as free as he can in whatever ways he can think of.

I couldn't help making something of all of Noggie's latinized English. :D

[Nogrod]

I couldn't help making something of all of Noggie's latinized English. I hope you remember English is not a native tongue to me and I'm just not able to make those distinctions. Okay, I know some latin and can now see - when pointed - which words you might mean, but sadly I have no usable synonymes that would be "un-latinized"... In turn I had to check my dictionary to understand what a word like "ledger" meant - not to talk that my dictionary didn't actually tell me what it means when you say "in trist, prow seeding, dock you meant". I guess I have a vague idea, but I'm not sure what it means in the end...

So please lmp, remember I'm more or less illiterate as to finesses of english language and it's history...

And now I can see this feels like complaing of everything - even if it is not so as I do love you coming involved with this story again - but you make Faramund "know" Athanar sent Hilderinc to get Wiglaf back.

I tried to make it as clear as possible in my post: Suddenly he turned back and called for Hilderinc who had still been standing at the door. He waved Hilderinc to bow towards him so that he could whisper to his ear without Faramund being able to hear what he said: "Go and find that man who was thrown out from this hall as we came here... and bring him here as soon as you find him."

Hilderinc nodded, bowed to both lord Athanar and lord Faramund, and left.Faramund might have guessed what it was as to why Hilderinc was called and sent out for, but he couldn't just have heard it as a fact like he seems to take it in your post.


Anyway, I like this situation where something is happening.... I'll be back on Sunday or Monday the latest.

[Mnemosyne]

I hope you remember English is not a native tongue to me and I'm just not able to make those distinctions. Okay, I know some latin and can now see - when pointed - which words you might mean, but sadly I have no usable synonymes that would be "un-latinized"... In turn I had to check my dictionary to understand what a word like "ledger" meant - not to talk that my dictionary didn't actually tell me what it means when you say "in trist, prow seeding, dock you meant". I guess I have a vague idea, but I'm not sure what it means in the end...


Nog, if I'm interpreting him correctly, lmp's just punning around: "in trist" sounds like "interest," "prow seeding" sounds like "proceeding," and "dock you meant" sounds like "document." And all of the latter words do indeed have Latin as their base language, rather than Anglo-Saxon, whereas Faramund's approximations all come from Anglo-Saxon--except for "trist," so who knows where he picked that up. :p

I should add, too, that as a native English speaker who tries to be more tuned into matters like these, I still struggle to come up with "un-latinized" synonyms for a lot of the words that Wynflaed used--and that if I were posting on a board in a non-English language, I would struggle to have the same level of fluency in my writing that you have.

[Folwren]

lol....I still can't find un-latinized words. I don't know latin. I just guess at what words will work and what words don't, and then I'm not surprised when Elempi contacts me. ;)

-- Foley

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

What was said - Elempi, I think you just have to excuse us if we don't write "properly". Let's face it, basically every second word in English comes from Latin, and us non-native speakers simply cannot always find an appropriate synonym. I mean, we try to avoid obvious anachronisms and for example myself, knowing Latin, can make a pretty good guess when some word has latin origins, but finding a synonym is much more difficult if not impossible (never heard about "ledger" before either). Aside from that, you'll need a major in linguistics to be able to discover the root of every word anyway. Sorry, I can understand that it breaks the immersion for you, but this is first of all about having fun writing, and if you expected so high standards from this RP, you might've just as well ended up with very few people to post.

Personally I tend to think of the story we are writing in the same way as Tolkien presented his: these are events that took place in Middle-Earth recounted by somebody else, a narrator who writes for the contemporary reader, trying to do his best to capture the feeling the Rohirrim gave in their original world. But the Rohirrim don't speak some old Anglo-Saxon languages, they speak Rohirric or Rohirric-modified Westron, but we, as the narrators, are the "translators" from the "Middle-Earth" language to our own, just like Tolkien was. Each one of us is a translator, and not all of the translators have the same capabilities. People like myself or Nog are simply not translating into our mothertongue. If we say something outright anachronistic or awkward, it is most welcome if you correct us. But a small and random thing like the use of the word "documents" is, by all means, not such a big deal, I'd say.

Anyway, as for the original reason why I wanted to post here :) I am quite busy nowadays, but I am definitely going to post for Hilderinc during this weekend, maybe already this evening, so I ask just for a little patience...

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

So here is my post... Foley and Firefoot, Quin and Léof may both interact and react on a first-come, first-serve basis :) I guess it can be made into a search for Wiglaf, if you want to take part in that, or whichever way you think... I, for one, have no idea where I should start looking for him (meaning really myself - no idea where he would be supposed to go), but anyway... you can make something up or just interact in some different way, or shrug it off completely...

[littlemanpoet]

Please, please, please, I did not mean to offend. Sorry for having done so. I was just having fun, too. I don't expect those for whom English is a second or third language, to know what's latinate and what isn't. I'm always tempted to have fun with it. Do remember, that I offered to help anyone who asked. Only one person asked, moons ago.

Noggie, would you like me to remove Faramund's puns? Let me know.

As for Faramund knowing about Wiglaf, oops. I'll fix.

[Nogrod]

Please, please, please, I did not mean to offend. Sorry for having done so. I was just having fun, too.
.....
Noggie, would you like me to remove Faramund's puns? Let me know.
No offence, no problem. And no need to remove any puns now that I have an idea what it means...

[littlemanpoet]

At any rate, I shall desist from now on. And I am NOT going to point out possible alternatives to latinate English unless asked.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Please, please, please, I did not mean to offend. Sorry for having done so. I was just having fun, too. I don't expect those for whom English is a second or third language, to know what's latinate and what isn't. I'm always tempted to have fun with it. Do remember, that I offered to help anyone who asked. Only one person asked, moons ago.
At any rate, I shall desist from now on. And I am NOT going to point out possible alternatives to latinate English unless asked.

Hey, it was not a problem like that... from my point of view, I was thinking that it's more like a question of "godmodding" another person's writing of his or her character, actually. I think it's good that you've offered yourself to help us; if I write something while using too many latinised words, by all means point it out and offer me some alternatives. But I have been kind of thinking that if I wrote the same thing like Nog did and you then posted a following post interpretating it as if my character was speaking partly-Gondorian, I might be like "hey, but that's not what my character meant to sound like at all, he was supposed to sound normal!" Of course, most likely it won't matter (and probably in Athanar's case it didn't), but it could happen that it would. So just saying.

Anyway, let's not dwell on that and let's simply continue writing, I think that's what matters here.

[littlemanpoet]

Legate & Nogrod, please accept my apology. I did not respond to your concerns with courtesy. I'll do better.

[Folwren]

I posted. Poorly, perhaps, but I posted perhaps enough to get the ball rolling again with Faramund.

You two gents need to start making friends or something...at least behave a little?

[littlemanpoet]

Faramund has another door through which he leaves the room he's in. Thonden will wait as long as he wishes and then do whatever he likes. Writing this as a post on the main thread wouldn't really work, so I'm letting you know this way.

[Folwren]

What! Are you avoiding play as much as Faramund? ;) Goooood grief. :rolleyes: Well, well, we'll see what can be done.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

:D No. It just made sense to me not to post what Faramund was doing since the Scarburgers don't know.

[Folwren]

Okay.

I still don't know when I'll post. I've been busy since school started.

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

I'll try to write something tomorrow. This looks interesting!

[Thinlómien]

Hmm I'm really pitiful with RPGs, am I not? *insert self-pity and annoyance at self*

Anyway, I've caught up and told myself from now on to check Scarburg whenever I check the 'downs at all (disincluding the times when I just check a ww thread ;)) so I won't have huge masses of posts unread discouraging me from checking what's happening and posting.

I have promised LMP to write today but I have to think a bit before doing that. If I fail, please don't think of me too badly, I will post tomorrow (it's almost 2am here now but before you freak out I have to tell you I've gone to sleep outrageously late lately so this is not too bad for me yet).

And Wulfric and Wilheard... oh dear, I don't want to know what's kept them quiet all this time if they've indeed been along on the trip to Faramund's house.

[Nogrod]

And Wulfric and Wilheard... oh dear, I don't want to know what's kept them quiet all this time if they've indeed been along on the trip to Faramund's house.I'm not sure I want to know what they will do! :D (meaning: go ahead Lommy!)


Just a few words of explanation about my last post - and the short one coming after this is done.

Lord Athanar is a veteran soldier o the war and a leader to the bone. From that kind of family and that kind of experience.

He's not looking forwards to Faramund really trying to attack them, but he takes measures - in every situation.

So he wishes to move out from the small room to the larger hall with multiple exits nearby and closer to his men to do the reading & questioning of that guy who was kicked out from the Hall. Also thus relieving some pressure from Faramund to make any hasty choices as if they were sitting in the private dining room basically closing him to his private quarters for the time.

He wishes a few men to protect him - not too many to make it obvious there's real tension as that could provoke reactions from the other side. And he will stay on the stairs outside until his men and Stedfast arrives with the "documents". :)

Also him asking Thornden to tell Coen to be alert will basically mean that Coen will pick some of his men immediately to drop whatever they were doing and start looking around (not patrolling openly around but kind of hanging around actively looking for anything that looks suspicious) - and then he'd tell the rest that even if they were allowed to continue eating & such they should be on their guard.

Anyone willing to play Stedfast or should I take him in with my next post?

lmp: are you willing to play Friduhelm, and/or the wronged peasant? Or someone else?


Also, I'll make a short post adding to my earlier one. Anyone willing to have a one to one discussion with some other player should pick it (not Thornden or Coen though); maybe one of Athanar's boys could be one of them - or then just anyone two, or we could just send two un-named guys there no one writes for? Just a chance to make a dialogue to any writers - and to make Athanar a seasoned tactician... :) (check at the map to see what I mean...) (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=615602&postcount=1880)

[littlemanpoet]

lmp: are you willing to play Friduhelm, and/or the wronged peasant? Or someone else?No prob. Friduhelm is the dad. The wronged peasant is Wiglaf. Okay, as needed.

[Folwren]

Ah...I'm a little tied up now so I don't know if I'll be able to post. So go ahead without me. I'll stick in something whenever I can.

Lommy, I look forward to seeing you around more. I think WW distracts a lot of RPers, really.

-- Foley

[Folwren]

I just read Nogrod's second post - in case I don't get to write anything, assume that Thornden has no quesitons.

-- Foley

[Thinlómien]

Foley, I think I just distract myself in general. :rolleyes: ;)

And sorry for not keeping my promise about the posting schedules. It really wasn't (mostly) my own fault - like I explained LMP on Facebook both times when I tried to get on the 'downs yesterday it was down (both times for several hours). :(

Anyway, that shall be fixed as soon as I've had some food and tea: I shall write for Modtryth and if I get enthusiastic, also for Wulfric and/or Wilheard.

[Thinlómien]

Lhuna - I've posted, see if you want any changes and I'll have the done no problem. Also, we should keep in mind Garmund might pop up soonish to tell Falco has come back, if I remember correctly.

Shall write for Wulf&Will as soon as I come up something funny and fitting enough. ;)

[littlemanpoet]

So Faramund has found a way to justify himself. Doesn't mean he's not a grasping, greedy, overbearing landlord. But he thinks he has the law on his side. Should be interesting..... ;)

[Folwren]

Shoudl be interesting, indeed. What are you trying to do? Start a Rohanian civil war? :eek:

I think Faramund is something of a moron, and so does Thornden, but Thornden is fairly good at concealing his feelings, I think...

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

Shoudl be interesting, indeed. What are you trying to do? Start a Rohanian civil war? :eek:

:) No, I'm just carrying through on what the character feels like.

[Nogrod]

Well... huhh-uh. ;)

Quite a nice spotting though lmp, as I think it was exactly Thornden who insisted on Faramund being thrown out from the hall. So Faramund would not have too warm feelings on Thornden...

(If you didn't know that lmp, you might wish to add some "inner thoughts" from Faramund behind those words where he is like he doesn't recognize Thornden :))

Btw, do we have a shared understanding regarding the relative strenghts of the two groups of men? My gut feeling would be that lord Athanar would lead more men that Faramund has (there are the men of the older Mead Hall + lord Athanar's own men), but as we have been describing Faramund as a wealthy man he might have more men one would foresee. But what do you others think?

We should probably also check if there are any numbers mentioned anywhere earlier.

I mean, that will affect a lot how lord Athanar will react to the new developements - which he will soon no doubt find out about. If he has the upper hand comfortably he will probably be tough and threaten with force, at least first; but if not, he's not going to let any of his men get killed because of a young hothead he can handle later with king Eomer's help... The one thing all the war vets learn from their experiences is that no one should be risked if it's not absolutely necessary - and even if Faramund might feel this to be a thing of his honour and pride (and conceiling his crimes) and something he'd be ready to sacrifice his men for, to lord Athanat it is nothing personal; only one more little thing on the agenda that should be dealt with... in time if not now.

[littlemanpoet]

My thought is that Athanar has roughly 36 men on horse, Faramund about 24. The advantage in numbers Athanar has is not entirely erased by the advantage Faramund has of being on defense.

I'm wrestling with how low Faramund would go: does he take the high road and give Athanar's men an out by allowing them to take their horses and leave, or does he take the low road and capture the horses and try to gain the upper hand by force? The latter would put him (even in his own mind) clearly on the wrong side of the law, which would ruin his self-justification, so I'm thinking he won't go there. High road it is.

I added a few thoughts to the last post for Faramund, having to do with his memory of being thrown out. Thanks for the tip, Nogrod!

[Nogrod]

My thought is that Athanar has roughly 36 men on horse, Faramund about 24. The advantage in numbers Athanar has is not entirely erased by the advantage Faramund has of being on defense.To me that sounds like a reasonable count. Although I must say that Athanar will not be on offence... :) He's too seasoned and wise for that.

I'm wrestling with how low Faramund would go: does he take the high road and give Athanar's men an out by allowing them to take their horses and leave, or does he take the low road and capture the horses and try to gain the upper hand by force? The latter would put him (even in his own mind) clearly on the wrong side of the law, which would ruin his self-justification, so I'm thinking he won't go there. High road it is.
Also looking at the numbers of the men, the fact that lord Athanar is actually a commander who has led men in the great war, the fact that many of lord Athanar's men have served in major units of eorlinga (not to talk of the infallible original Mead Hallers :D), it would be a decent decision on behalf of Faramund not to try his luck the low road...


What about Stedford? Have you any strong feelings about him lmp? I see you write him sneaking past Faramund so I take it he's going to give the ledger to Athanar. But after that?

I think we could make him this dramatic hero who does what is right even if the consequences might be costly to him?

[littlemanpoet]

Stedford? Well, there was a wall between them so they didn't know they were passing each other. Hero? I suppose. Anybody who wants to write him, feel free. He's a good man who doesn't want the limelight, just wants to do his best and wants justice and mercy to dealt out in balanced measure.

[Nogrod]

So anyone willing to pick Stedford is now free to take him. He has been addressed with quite a hard question...


On another thought, I was thinking that what if Friduhelm actually senses things are not right and will force himself up from his bed and come to the place of action?

That could be a dramatic scene to write indeed.

[Firefoot]

There are 36 men from Scarburg? :eek: I've been imagining a lot fewer than that (10-15)... apparently Leof really does need some help in the stables.

[Nogrod]

There are 36 men from Scarburg? :eek: I've been imagining a lot fewer than that (10-15)... I'd say the count is a bit over from what I thought, but the ratio (Mead Hall men vs. Faramund's men) feels like a correct one.

I think there was something like 15 men-at-arms in Eodwine's Mead Hall, and if Athanar brought more or less as many, that would make it thirty. Which I find a reasonable count.

[Firefoot]

I guess I didn't realize there were that many men in Eodwine's court, since they're almost all NPC's and no one ever mentioned them that I'm aware of.

[littlemanpoet]

hmmm..... I actually thought it would be 24 for Faramund - but 20's okay.

As for Friduhelm, I'm going to have to put some thought into that.

Maybe I'll take a peek at Stedford, too, unless someone else wants to first. I'll wait a bit....

..... hmm.... actually I know exactly how Stedford should reply. I'd like to, if everybody's okay with that...?

[Folwren]

Elempi, did you know that Thornden addresed what's-his-name once more? Just wanted to let you know, in case you'd missed it.

[Nogrod]

lmp: if you think it's 24, then it is 24. I'm okay with it.

What is your impression of the number of soldiers Eodwine had back in the days? I've had an impression lord Athanar would have something like around 15 men with him (not more than 20 anyway, preferably less than that). Any decent sum total we could come up with would be cool for me.

Also, if you have an idea for Stedford, just go for it. I think he's not anyone's character yet and you have written the most for him thus far.

apparently Leof really does need some help in the stables.He apparently does... :rolleyes:

Although I'm not sure if they are on any stables as such. I think there was a post somewhere there where it was said they were behind the stables outside (or then I'm wrong) - anyway it would actually be quite lavish if lord Faramund who has something like 20+ men & their horses would have stables for over fifty just in case someone dropped in with so many men... :)

But that's a minor detail.

So everyone, just go for it! We do have an interesting situation here in our hands...

[Thinlómien]

Posted again!

Nog, let me know if I'm contradicting stuff either of us has written earlier. I keep forgetting. Also, if anything looks wrong, tell me in that case too.

Still have to come up with something for the two walking catastrophes...

[Nogrod]

Nog, let me know if I'm contradicting stuff either of us has written earlier. I keep forgetting. Also, if anything looks wrong, tell me in that case too.It looks pretty good to me. So no problem there.

About the two walking catastrophes... well, just don't make them kill anyone. :rolleyes:

[Thinlómien]

About the two walking catastrophes... well, just don't make them kill anyone.I was thinking more along the lines of acquainting themselves with local serving girls... :rolleyes: ;) :eek:

[Nogrod]

I was thinking more along the lines of acquainting themselves with local serving girls...That's a lot better idea... although I don't think there is much time for it anymore at the moment - well you can write on it in retrospect for sure (I'm actually quite keen to hear that story ;)).

[Thinlómien]

That's a lot better idea... although I don't think there is much time for it anymore at the moment - well you can write on it in retrospect for sure (I'm actually quite keen to hear that story ;)).Yup. I thought they'd have disappeared somewhere when they found out they are not invited to the negotiations and they'd be coming back now hearing all the noise. I will post today or tomorrow, depends on my inspiration and the clock. ;)

[Folwren]

About the two walking catastrophes... well, just don't make them kill anyone.

I was thinking more along the lines of acquainting themselves with local serving girls...

:eek: I so want Thornden and these two morons to have a run-in together and let Thornden whallop the daylights out of their miserable hides. :mad: But I am kind of prone to thinking that would be out of character for him. *sigh*

I love your characters, Lommy. :D

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

I'm coming up with at least 12, at most 15 under Eodwine.

I'll check out your latest post, Foley. These instant email notices are just a wee bit dicey, apparently.... :rolleyes:

It would appear Stedford has been just waiting to be asked such a question, considering how many words he spent on it! :P

[Firefoot]

He apparently does... :rolleyes:

Although I'm not sure if they are on any stables as such. I think there was a post somewhere there where it was said they were behind the stables outside (or then I'm wrong) - anyway it would actually be quite lavish if lord Faramund who has something like 20+ men & their horses would have stables for over fifty just in case someone dropped in with so many men... :)

But that's a minor detail.

I meant the stables back at Scarburg, more than currently at Faramund's. Because now there are probably on the order of 40-50 horses at Scarburg all told... Folwren and I discussed this some a while back and we decided to just keep Javan helping out.

[Nogrod]

I meant the stables back at Scarburg, more than currently at Faramund's. Sorry, my bad reading... :rolleyes:

lmp: let me know if I made it too easy on my last post? I understand if you wish to make it harder, but then again we'll never proceed unless things start happening - and I think we need some goodies for the later parts of this game as well... :)

Any editing on behalf of Stedford will be made as soon as you voice them...

[littlemanpoet]

Nice post, Noggie! :) I get a kick out of how you call him Stedfast every once in a while (toward the end of your post). It is in his character.

No changes needed to Stedford's words and thoughts and actions. Nicely done. :) Athanar's appeal to Stedford is pitched perfectly. I'd give you props but I have to spread 'em around...

[Firefoot]

Nogrod - Athanar sent somebody to have Leof and the horses come to him "here" where Athanar is, but I'm not very clear on where that is anymore. My understanding of Faramund's hall's layout is something like a large hall front and center (where all the Scarburg soldiers were), which is attached to Faramund's quarters - unless this has a back door, comings and goings would be noticeable from out in front where Leof is. Off to one side then is the paddock and the stables, where Faramund and his men now are. And then there's a cabin somewhere where Friduhelm is... and somewhere there's a wall.

That's the way I'm picturing it, but I don't know if that's consistent with other people's views. I guess could you correct my mental picture if it needs it, and then explain to me where Athanar is so I can write a post for Leof?

[littlemanpoet]

I've been picturing that Athanar and Stedford met in the hall where Faramund holds court. I could be wrong.

I've also been picturing that Faramund's place has the hall in front, and facing the Hall from the road, the stables are to the right, and the cabin of Friduhelm is beyond the stables along with other outbuildings; the paddock is behind both stables and Faramund's hall. At least, that's been my picture.

It might seem strange for the cabin and outbuildings to be beyond the stables; maybe they could be on the OTHER side of the hall from the stables, and a little behind?

[Mnemosyne]

Sooooo...

How are things looking on the home front?

I'm asking because Wynflaed is finally itching at my fingertips (and she's normally a patient character) after I unceremoniously withdrew her to prevent further awkward among the old-timers. I have my own ideas of what she might have been doing (and she assumed that Athanar took their sons with him on the expedition), and could probably manage a solo post, but I'd much rather interact with some other writers.

Any takers?

[Folwren]

Well, I can tell you where my characters are. Saeryn is still in the kitchen talking with Falco, as are several of the others still at Scarburg.

Javan is somewhere between the stables and the smithy with old Raban and Harreld.

I say, bring Wynflaed back into the action, if you want. She can come into the kitchen on any pretense you give her, I imagine. Possibly she is looking for Lilige?

-- Foley

[Mnemosyne]

Thanks, Foley. I'll probably bring her back in later tonight, when I have time to drum up a post. I just get a little concerned as I'm afraid Wynflaed's effect on the "old guard" is stifling conversation (which is why I took her out earlier).

I'm also curious as to Scarburg's housing arrangements for guests like Falco. I'm assuming he'll just put up in the barracks?

[Firefoot]

Scyld is still wandering around too. I haven't posted anything for him because I'm honestly not sure where or how he fits into the picture anymore. I've sort of been thinking about just writing him out of the Hall... but maybe I ought to put a little more effort into it than that.

[littlemanpoet]

Scyld is still wandering around too. I haven't posted anything for him because I'm honestly not sure where or how he fits into the picture anymore. I've sort of been thinking about just writing him out of the Hall... but maybe I ought to put a little more effort into it than that.

Noooooooooo!!!!!! :eek::eek:

Don't do that! Scyld is just too good a character! Think of something, anything! Puleeeeeze!

:p (feeling a little sheepish after all that, but still.....)

I'm also curious as to Scarburg's housing arrangements for guests like Falco. I'm assuming he'll just put up in the barracks? I'd say so.

[Nogrod]

I've been picturing that Athanar and Stedford met in the hall where Faramund holds court. I could be wrong.They met on beside the main door, around the stairs leading up. That I think is established in the thread.

Bun on the other issues I think there is no clear-cut view to prevail yet. So it would be up to anyone to decide while posting... I do think both Firefoot's and lmp's designs sound reasonable and usable.

[Firefoot]

So where is Athanar now?

[Nogrod]

So where is Athanar now?By the stairs with the two men (two others are around the farther corner looking if anything suspicious is brewing on that direction - and the fifth just took off with Stedford).

And yes, Thornden just came to break him the news on Faramund.

Also, Athanar sent Hilderinc to tell Coen to gather the men to the main door where Athanar now is - and then take a few men and come to Leof to get the horses.

I think it's like that now.

[Nogrod]

Btw. the reason for him to gather all the men together in a hurry - if not obvious - is not to leave any of the men isolated in small groups that could be harrassed. If it turned for the worst it would be of upmost importance he had all his men (and horses) together.

*Pokes Lommy on the two walking catastrophies. :rolleyes:*

Actually Athanar is not looking forwards a fight - and will actually do his best to avoid it however things will evolve - but as a veteran military commander he is always preparing for the worst case scenario...

[Firefoot]

Got it. Thanks.

[Firefoot]

Legate - over to you. Hilderinc doesn't seem to like it much when people challenge him (much less the "stablemaster")... so I thought it might be fun to try and get under his skin a bit. :p

[Folwren]

Legate - over to you. Hilderinc doesn't seem to like it much when people challenge him (much less the "stablemaster")... so I thought it might be fun to try and get under his skin a bit. :p

I wondered if you were doing it on purpose. ;) I won't interfere. Hehe.

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

Foley: I was pretty careful with Thornden as I was not to sure would he speak openly about any possible doubts he might have and thus made Athanar just guess what he thought. If you think Thornden would have opened his mouth along the lines I wrote Athanar guessing them, I can add things in there.

[Folwren]

Nogrod, you did well. Please insert what I have added here...

"Hah, I guess I know what you're thinking... I'm showing myself as a coward to him pledging peace in front of his threads? Let me tell you, I have no problems in acting like a coward in front of a fool if it helps me to get the evidence to nail him in court and keep all my men alive. That's one thing you learn in the battlefield, master Thornden... never lose your men if you don't need to, especially not because of vanity or pride. And even if he got that kind of thoughts into his head he'll be surprised enough to see us all mounted and in readiness to any move he wishes to make before he is able to execute them...."

"You mistake me, my lord. I think it is the right choice not to fight him if at all possible. But what shall you do with his father and with the ledger?"

Athanar looked at Thornden into the eye and nodded. "Just take care of yourself Thornden. I'll be in readiness to send a few men and your horses to get you back if there is any trouble. We will cover for you, you know that. Now go!"

I figured that Athanar saying, "Just take care of yourself" flows well after Thornden queries into his intensions. If you want to change it to, "Just take care of what I told you to" that'd be fine, too, but it's your choice.

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

Foley: I changed it into this: "You mistake me, my lord. I think it is the right choice not to fight him if at all possible. But what shall you do with his father and with the ledger?" Thornden asked.

Athanar looked at Thornden into the eye and nodded. "Just take care of yourself Thornden. You'l learn that later... Anyway, you should go now. We don't have time to lose. I'll be in readiness to send a few men and your horses to get you back if there is any trouble. We will cover for you, you know that. Now go!"I think that would be okay?


Others: just keep on turning the wheel forwards!

Also back in Scarburg...

[Folwren]

Looks fine, Nogrod. Thanks.

I will attempt to post later this evening.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Legate - over to you. Hilderinc doesn't seem to like it much when people challenge him (much less the "stablemaster")... so I thought it might be fun to try and get under his skin a bit. :p

Good, good! I haven't been around now for some time, so gotta read what you people have created meanwhile, but I will try to post soon, hopefully still today...

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Okay, looks like the tide of events in the courtyard beat me to it... hm, I wonder if I could still write it in "flashback" or something, but I won't have time to do it today anymore anyway, then tomorrow I will see how it goes, if somebody else doesn't post again...

[Firefoot]

Flash-back would work, or either Nogrod or I could edit our posts to include yours where it ought to go, if you post it here.:)

[Folwren]

Flash-back would work, or either Nogrod or I could edit our posts to include yours where it ought to go, if you post it here.:)

This sounds good. I don't want to miss that exchange.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Done :) I think it should be fine where it is, as it basically covers the timeframe from awhile back when the mess had started until the present, just from Hilderinc's point of view, so it is basically re-running the same events. And I have sort of assumed what Nog had posted then taking place: the soldiers and others doing as Hilderinc had commanded and everybody getting ready in the end. There is also a message for Léof in the end, which can be used however you see fit, Firefoot ;)

I see I have delved into Hilderinc's psychology even a bit more than I thought, but I sort of had to make it clear why he acted the way he did, especially since you two, Firefoot and Foley, seemed to be interested in that, or seemed to have your own assumptions as to how he's going to act. :)

[Firefoot]

I like it, Legate.

[Mnemosyne]

I'll try to continue Wynflaed early tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's a heads-up for a new game I'm trying to get off the ground, which takes some of the suggested RP reforms into account. It's intended to be short, intense, and have opportunities for the players who would just like to wander in on the action as well as the ones glued to their computers. It's called The King's Players (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=649791) (for now), and I hope you'll check it out!

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I like it, Legate.
Glad that you do :)
In the meantime, here's a heads-up for a new game I'm trying to get off the ground, which takes some of the suggested RP reforms into account. It's intended to be short, intense, and have opportunities for the players who would just like to wander in on the action as well as the ones glued to their computers. It's called The King's Players (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=649791) (for now), and I hope you'll check it out!

This looks absolutely brilliant, especially the plot idea, I'm afraid, though, that there are too many unfinished RPs behind my back for me to start getting into a new one...

[Nogrod]

Heh, I'm starting to like lord Athanar after finally being able to write him in his "comfort-zone"... I mean I had always figured him as not the man of words but the military commander in the field, the experienced tactician, the man who knows the perils and acts on them.

All these previous problems in the Mead Hall were just a pain to him as he is not the charming leader who talks nicely and makes friends easily with his subjects. But here he can now lead, and lead with his example.

What a great guy! :rolleyes:


And just for the interest of the writers here (not probably knowledge your characters would have), there was this discussion between Leof and Hilderinc whether it would have been wiser to just make the men of Scarburg run for their horses...

Well, Athanar thinks differently.

Dealing with this kind of unpredictable hotheaded youngster one can never be too careful. If the men had made a run for their horses it could have ignited alarms in Faramund's mind and possibly led to hasty ideas about the Scarburgians getting ready to fight them immediately and thus could have worked as that fine final push for him to attack while the men of Scarburg were still on foot - and that would have been devastating.

There's no situation where a leader wishes his men to be caught unawares, running, and be assaulted by a cavalry... even if he could afterwards make a case he was attacked upon. A leader cares for his men and does everything to make the right decisions for their safety.

So it was a better idea to gather the men first and get the horses after it. The gathered force could take in a cavalry charge if organised, even if on foot. And if they just gathered together, Faramund would have little to defend his actions if he attacked. Also, had Faramund decided to attack the few men bringing the horses in... it would have made him the aggressor and basically reason enough to rip him from his title and to throw him into jail for a long time.


Okay, I'm going to be away for a few days but will be back on late Friday / Saturday. Keep the wheels moving...

[Folwren]

Thanks for your explaning post, Nogrod. I enjoyed reading it and it made a lot of sense.

Also, the goings-on in the courtyard are getting pretty tense!! Looking forward to seeing it work out.

[Firefoot]

Nogrod - that makes total sense to me - but Leof's no soldier. All he sees is "You want the five of us here to move 30 horses there where we have no place to put them. That's silly." ;)

[littlemanpoet]

Crazy as it may seem, I've been getting sympathetic toward Faramund. I suppose it helps me write him more true.... :shrugs:

[Nogrod]

Thanks Foley for writing Stigend and Garstan off the scene... I have felt so bad not having time to think or write about what they would do back there.

Lmp: I can see why you'd relate to Faramund, and that is good. It's only when you can get into the guts / trousers (just trying different idioms here) of someone that you can really produce stuff that makes a difference.

[Folwren]

I'm going to be gone for the next 24 hours or so, so please don't expect any posting from me. I wish I'd had time to post for Saeryn, at least, but it was not to be so. Later, I guess.

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

Concerning the situation at Faramund's Hall... were discussing some background issues, lmp and me, concerning the bigger picture behind what happens right now (like why is Friduhelm in a condition he is, why did he give away his lordship, what does he know etc.). As soon as we have something like a decent shared view of it, things will roll forwards on that front again. And I think that will be pretty soon.

Meanwhile, I do suggest you others keep posting. Don't wait for us doing things inside the Hall - there should be a plenty of tension outside the two groups facing each other - or things going on back in Scarburg.

[Folwren]

Yes, there may be trouble outside...hehe...Lommy, I brought the thought of Athanar's sons back up to the surface. Perhaps you can post soon? :D

[littlemanpoet]

Yes, there may be trouble outside...hehe...Lommy, I brought the thought of Athanar's sons back up to the surface. Perhaps you can post soon? :DWhat a great post! :D Love it!

[Thinlómien]

Uggh. Folwren you're mean! :D I'm trying to catch up now and write today/tomorrow. Just I feel like I should never have taken Wulfric and Wilheard 'cos they're the kind of characters who'd need a lot of attention from their writer and I keep neglecting them!

[Thinlómien]

Ai! You can trust me to post if I promise, but you should always add 1-3 days to my own estimate/promise of when I'm going to post. :rolleyes: In other words, just finished reading what's happened and almost started to write but realised I'd prefer going to the grocery when there's still daylight. So, shall be back home in half an hour, then write, so expect a post in 1-2h. ;)

ps. oh and I was meaning to say you've all written very good posts recently! :)

[Thinlómien]

Haha further delay. Legate just came here so maybe I won't write right now. (I have written maybe 1/2 or 1/3 of the post, it will be looong. Kind of also got stuck reading my earlier posts about W&W and have to say they are such adorable jerks. :D) So expect me to post still later today hopefully.

[Folwren]

*sigh* Ooookay, we'll wait, I guess, if we have to. ;) :p

Looking forward to it.

[littlemanpoet]

I can't wait to read about the adorable jerks. :)

[Thinlómien]

Writing all the time. ;)

You make me feel like I had better write a very good post though which is rather worrisome! :D

[Thinlómien]

Finally posted. I was trying to make it correspond with what's been happening this far but I think I might've made a mistake somewhere because that was quite a lot to absorb. Please tell me if I failed something!

Also mes apologies for writing such a novel. I had a lot of stuff to catch up with. ;)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Finally posted. I was trying to make it correspond with what's been happening this far but I think I might've made a mistake somewhere because that was quite a lot to absorb. Please tell me if I failed something!

Also mes apologies for writing such a novel. I had a lot of stuff to catch up with. ;)

Hey, that was just GREAT! Gotta post sometime soon, this is definitely going to bring some reactions.

And you are right, only one mistake though, as far as I can see: I believe Áforglaed is away with the message for the King. But you can just substitute the name for somebody else, for instance Fearghall (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=622445&postcount=2390) would fit well, I believe. Or you can make up an entirely new soldier.

But anyway, wonderful post :D

P.S. It just occured to me, related to the link: I have this small list of Athanar's soldiers there, I have just updated it with a bit of info related to Baldwic (from the latest post), maybe if there is more you can think about, or more soldiers whose names I could just add in for easy reference (since it's linked to the character list), tell me, so that I can put it in...

[Thinlómien]

Thanks Legate, Fearghall sounds good. I'll edit him in.

I earlier wrote about Baldwic also here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=625983&postcount=722). It explains that Wilheard and Baldwic are semi-friends because they have recently been training together occasionally.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I earlier wrote about Baldwic also here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=625983&postcount=722). It explains that Wilheard and Baldwic are semi-friends because they have recently been training together occasionally.

Duly noted, sir. I will put this in there as well. The more info we have for looking up there, the better we can work with the characters, especially with these NPC-type guys, who can be used by anyone...

[Folwren]

Hey, Lommy, good post. If I feel up to it, maybe I'll have Thornden notice and answer them. That will be interesting. But if someone (Legate or anyone) gets around to writing first, don't hesitate.

-- Folwren

[Thinlómien]

Ai ai ai! Folwren, I believe Thornden has just made himself two enemies (not that they liked him before either given they were thinking he was planning treachery with Lithor)! And on top of everything it was his little brother (who is kind of his responsibility) was the one to hit Aedre. :eek: :D Brilliant!